There is a considerable amount of options currently on the market for hardwood floor cleaner. In addition, there are many recipes for cleaners that you can make on your own at home. Therefore, it can be difficult to separate the cleaners that will actually work from that that will do nothing more than waste your time and money.
With so many health concerns from harsh chemicals these days and the importance to keep a clean home, it is vital that you understand the pros and cons of each of these cleaners. This will help you determine which cleaners you should and should not be using around your family.
Ingredients to Avoid
A hardwood floor cleaner that is alkaline in nature should be avoided. This includes straight ammonia as well as cleaners that contain ammonia. The reason for this is that this type of cleaner will dull the finish of your beautiful hardwood floor. In addition, cleaners that contain abrasives should also be avoided because they will scratch your floor.
Cleaners that contain oil should not be used. This includes some of the sprays that are sold for cleaning and dusting wood furniture. These cleaners have a tendency to make floor slippery, which can be rather dangerous.
Commercial Floor Cleaners
There are several varieties of commercial hardwood floor cleaner. Each name brand cleaner will have its own benefits and disadvantages. The greatest disadvantage by far is the cost of these cleaners.
However, you do have the advantage of a ready-to-use product that you do not have to mix. All you have to do is spray and clean to get the job done. In addition, these products claim to protect the urethane finish better because of the special formulas they use.
Homemade Cleaner Recipes
When cleaning a hardwood floor that has a urethane finish, you should use a mild detergent that has neutral pH. This will ensure that no residue is left behind.
Most homemade floor cleaner recipes include dishwashing liquid. One problems with mixing your own hardwood floor cleaner is that adding too much detergent could make it difficult to rinse the floor properly. The result will be a sticky soap film all over the floor you have worked so hard to keep looking nice.
This soapy residue will dull the finish of your floor. It will also leave it sticky and more prone to collecting dust.
